Photographic and reproducing apparatus



Feb. 13, 1945. v E, PRATT PHOTOGRAPHIC AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS Fi edJan. 3, 1942 7 Sheets-Sheet l N fi INVENTOR VEHNEUR E. PRA TT BY V4Wfduh- ATTORNEYS Feb. 13, 1945.

V. E. PRATT PHOTOGRAPHIC AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 3, 1942 '7Sheets-Sheet 2 42 I05 /z I0! FIG: 4

|NVENTOR VER/VEUH E. PRA T7.

ATTORNEYS Feb. 13, 1945.

v. E. PRATT PHOTOGRAPHIC AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 3, 1942 7Sheets-Sheet 3 m T N E V m VERNEUR E. PR/m:

BIY/

ATTORNEYS Feb. 13, 1945.

v. E, PRATT 1 2,369,247

PHOTOGRAPHIC AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 2 1942 'r Sheets-Sheet4 A I66 8/ LL 14s Fla-9 #42 I INVENTOR YERIVEURE.PRATT I mM+$Q ATTORNEYSFeb. 13, 1945. I v PRATT 2,369,247

' PHOTOGRAPHIC AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 5, 1942 '7Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR m-w/vzun 5. Flu r1:

ATTORNEYS Feb. 13, 1945. v. E. PRATT PHOTOGRAPHIC AND REPRODUCINGAPPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Jan. 3, 1942 TIMER SHUTTER He. 20

nn 0 T A V E L E P .RE .0 mmm we m- F ma 22 ENLARGER K ATTORNEYS Feb.13, 1945. v E, PRATT 2,369,247

.PHOTOGRAPHIC AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 3,. 1942 '7Sheets-Sheet '7 lar p INVENTOR KER/V50}? E. PRATT ATTORNEYS PatentedFeb. 13, 1945 PHOTOGRAPHIC AND REPRODUCIN G APPARATUS Verneur E. Pratt,Norwalk, Conn, assignor to Microstat Corporation, a corporation ofDelaware Application January 3, 1942, Serial No. 4 25,52 8

GCIaims.

The present invention pertains to improvements in photographic andreproducing apparatus.

An object of the invention is to provide improved means for recordingdrawings, maps, documents and the like on photographic film, such asmicrofilm.

Another object is to provide improved apparatus of the above natureincluding means to reproduce the photographed drawings, etc by directenlargement.

A further object is to provide an improved camera-projector adapted tophotograph data as noted and to reproduce the same throughthe same lenswith identical setting, whereby any possible aberration in recording isautomatically corrected in reproduction. v

Another object is to provide a camera-projector of the above-type havingimproved means to.

index, register and expose the film.

Another object is to provide a suitable object table platen and improvedmeans to Support the same and the camera in rigid mutual relationship,whereby possible vibrational flexings between them are substantiallyeliminated and if any vibration is present the table and camera vibratetogether as a unit.

A further object is to provide improved illumimating means for theobject table.

Another object is to provide improved power and control means by whichelevation and lowering of the camera, adjustment of the lens tocus.actuation of the indexer and shutter, and the various other operationalfunctions are readily carried out by remote control from a singleoperator's station.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become evident duringthe course 01 the following description, in connection with theaccompanying drawings, .in which Figure 1 is a front elevation form ofthe invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevation .of the same;

Figure 3 is a. plan view of the same;

Figure 4 is a perspective detail view of the camera-projector and itsmounting;

Figure 5 is a vertical side view of the cameraprojector and relatedapparatus partly in section;

'Figure 6 is a detail view of the elevation indicating scale;

Figure 'l is a detail view of the exposure motor holding switch and cam:

FigureB is a similarviewofthe for controlling open shutter warning lightduring picture taking:

of a preferred Figure 9 is a detail plan view of the film gate,indexing, registering and shutter structure;

Figure 10 is a vertical detail view of the same partialLvon thelineslll-|0,Fis 1re9;

11 is -a detail view of the pressure plate control c'amJever andplunger:

Figure 12 is a detail view of the indexing cam, lever-and plate; a

Figure 13 is a detail side viewoi thecamshaft gearandcams;

Figure 14 is an enlarged-detail rear view of the indexing clutchmechanism in engaged or Figurelfi isa side viewoi the-same; v

Figure IGisarear-viewoi thesame inreleasedorlndexed position;

figure-1'31 Isa diagrammatic illustration of the film reels and take-updrive:

Figur '18 is a plan view ot'the shutter;

Figure .19 is .a detail side view of the same, showing the drivinggears;

Figure is a detail view of the main oper- 'ational control panel andapparatus;

Figure 21 is a similar view of the main switching and illuminationcontrol panel;

Figure 22 is a sectional detail view showing the disposal of theillumination control means;

Figure 23 illustrates the foot-switch for trip ping the exposure motor;and

Figure 24 is a wiring diagram of the various electrical apparatusembodied in the invention.

Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, a stiff triangular tram'e'30,preferably of welded steel construction, is mounted on supporting legs3|, 32 and 33; A platen or table 34 is adjustably secured to the top ofthe frame 3'0. Two auxiliary supporting columns 35 and 3'8, provided.with heavy bases '31 and 38, are disposed under the front corners ofthe table '34. Suitable clearance is normally provided between the upperends 39 of these columns and the table as shown in Figure 22.

Rigidly secured in the rear. of the frame 30 is a'vertical tubularcolumn 10 on which is slidably mounted a bracket or carriage II. Thebracket 4| carries a unitary camera-projector generally denoted by thenumeral 42, the unit being shown iii-enlarged perspective in Figure 4,and in detail longitudinal partial section in Figure 5.

Referring to Figure 5, the cameraeprojector 42 has a. main base or bedplate 43. Astepped vertical sleeve 44 is secured in the front end of thebase 13 and has rotatably mounted therein, a second sleeve 45 on thelower end of. which is secured a worm-gear ring 45. A cylindrical lensbarrel 4"! is threaded at it inside the second sleeve'45, and has alongitudinal slot 49 engaging suitable key 53 in stationary ring 5|secured in the upper end of the outer sleeve 44. A suitable lensassembly 52, having a lever 53 for adjustment. of the usual irisdiaphragm (not shown), is mounted in the-barrel 47.

A reversible motor 54, mounted on the bottom of the camera base 43, hason its shaft 55 a worm 56 meshing with the gear ring 46 as shown inFigure 4. A flexible shaft 51 connects the end ward depending on thedirection of rotation of l the motor 54. Thus the motor 54 is adapted toadjust the focus of the lens assembly 52, each revolution of the motorchanging the lens position by a definite small increment pre-determinedby the lead of the thread 48 and the reducing ratio of the worm 56 andgear for example, an increment of .00025 inch. As each revolution of themotor, and consequent increment of focusing movement, is plainlyregistered by the counter 58. The setting of the latters numerals 59 atany time presents an exact indication of the lens position, so that bycontrol of the motor 54 any given lens position may be accurately. madeor reproduced, the comparatively large numerals 59 being plainly visibleat a distance from the device.

Removably' disposed in the central portion 60 of the camera-projector 42is a film-control and shutter sub-assembly 6|, shown in details inFigures 9 to 19, and to be presently described.

A'lamp housing 62 is horizontally pivoted at 63 and normally engages thetop of the central portion 60 in light-tight relationship. A condensinglens system 64 is secured in the bottom of the housing 62 in opticalalignment with the projection or photographic lens 52. A lamp 65 ismounted in a socket 66 in the rear end of the housing 62. An inclinedmirror 6'1 is adjustably secured to the up er front wall 68 of thehousing in position to direct light from the lamp 65 to the condensinglens system 64, thence through the subassembly 6| and projection lens52. Ventilation for the lamp 65 is provided by a pipe 69 leading upthrough the bottom of the housing 62 and suitable openings 70 in therear thereof.

A light shield or hood II is pivoted at I2 to the carriage 4|, the frontupper end I3 of the hood normally overlying the rear top of the lamphousing 62. A rod I4 is horizontally pivoted at I5 to the rear of thehousing 62, while the rear end of the rod engages a socket I6 secured tothe back of the hood 'I|.

When the housing 62 is swung upward and rearwardly on its pivots 63 toallow access to the sub-assembly 6| as hereinafter set forth, the rod I4swings the hood II upwardly as illustrated in dot and dash lines, Figure5, thus providing ample clearance between the top of the housing and thehood.

A motor 11 having a suitable speed-reducinggear head It is mounted inthe base 43 and is adapted to drive the shaft 19 of the sub-assembly 6|through an extension shaft 88 and a jaw coupling 8|. The extension shaft80 carries two cams 82 and 83, shown in detail in Figures 7 and 8, thesecams being adapted to respectively con trol switches 84 and 85 forpurposes hereinafter set forth. Rubber vibration dampers TI are providedin the mounting of motor 17.

The column 40 is provided with a longitudinal key 88 fitting in the rearportion of the carriage 4|, thereby preventing any swinging motion ofthe carriage and camera-projector about the column.

A reversible motor 81, mounted under the frame 30,- is provided with aworm-gear speed reducer 88 carrying on its output shaft 89 a sprocket96. A roller chain 9| is secured to the upper portion of the carriage 4|and extends upward therefrom and over an idler sprocket 92 on the top'of the column 40, thence downward through the interior of the column andaround a second idler sprocket 93 to the drive sprocket 35 for thegreater part of the weight 'ofthe carriage and camera-projector.

tape 86 has-it's free'endclipped to the chain 9| at 91 justbelow theturn-buckle 85, the tape extending downward in front-of the "chainthrough a slot 88 in the-table 34 and to a spring actuatedretracting-reel 99- of "any suitabletype secured undertlie table;

As the mechanisms of such reels are well known and form per se 'no partof the pres'entinvention, no further'descriptio'n isrequired herein. Itis evident, however, that as the carriage is moved up or dow'n'thetape'96 unreels or re-reeis through the slot 98 and' the figures I00(see also Figure 6) thereon serve as'a visual indication of the heightof the camera-projector above the table 34 as illustrated in Figure 6; a

A pair of film housing or magazines HH and N2 (Figure 4) are attachedrespectively to the left and right sides of--the middle portion 60 oithe camera-projector. Th magazines IOI and I02 are provided withdetachable front closures Hi3 and I04, and contain suitable film reelsI05 and I 06, shov'rn diagrammatically in Figure 1'! and adapted tocarry a film ||l'| threaded between them through the control-and shuttersub -assembly 6|.

Referring to Figures!) and 10, it will be seen that the sub-assembly 6|has a casing I68 provided with horizontal side slots 169 and III)through which the film II" is threaded as noted above. The film overliesa gate or circular mask secured in a horizontal partition I i2 in thecasin MB. A transparent pressure plate 1H3; preferably qf circularshape, is held in a frame H4 trunnioned at 5 and 6 to a yokelil. Theshank 8 of yoke I I1 is loosely pivoted to the top of a plunger 9vertically slidable in a boss I20 in the partition 2 as shown in detailin Figure 11, the plunger 9 being urged up-- ward by a spring |2|. Afulcrum block |22 has sprocket shift I28.

enemas? --and :has {therein 2. across min 425 supporting the end -of -alever I26 which is ifulcrumedon a stationary'pivot -11in J21. .Alca-mI'2'8 on the drive shaft 79=engages and-is adapted to rock the :lever1:25 downward.

.Normally the upward -pressure of the spring I2-I, acting through theplunger --I=I.-9, .holds the shank H8 of yoke II"! against theretractible pin I 24, the latter acting as affulcrum andcausing thertrmzlnioned pressure .plate H3 to press .thesfilm 4.01 downward againstthe-gate I H. The trunnions I L5.and I4 6, the free sliding (and rock-.ing permitted-the shank -I I3 :in the fulcrum slot 423, and the vloosepivoting of the shank to the plunger 9 .allow the pressure :plat 1 I3 tofloat into firm and even engagement throughout the entire underlyingportion of the film Ill?! .thus assuring accurate flatness .of thelattefacross the gate IIJ.

When the cam J28 rocks the lever -I26 downward the operation pressureplate [I3 men't with'the film 1111.

A second shaft II2'9,.J01u-nalled .in the casing I118 and "hereinafterreferred to as the sprocket perforations I32 or the film A grooved shoe1'33 underlies the sprocket I30 and keeps the -film at all times inproper engagement with the sprocket teeth.

A horizontal drive pin 13'4 is secured in the rear end of the sprocketspool I30. An annular driving member I35, slidably mounted on the shaftI29, has a series of index .holes I36 corresponding in number andcircumferential spacing to the sprocket teeth "I'3I, each hole beingadapted to engage the pin provided in the front of the Shit I '3 9.

When it is desired to rotate the sprocket I33 manually. as in threading,adjusting or remai ing the film 1, the member I 35 'isslid rearwardlyagainst the pressure of spring 131 until the front of the slot I 39encounters the slot and thereby prevent forward sliding re- By this.ment with the the releasing operation :described, the pin $34 enteringany chosen hole I36 and assmn'ing an accurately indexed setting.

The sp ng I3! is backed by the hub HI of a clutch plate 2. the huh I Mbeing pinned tothe In the rear of the plate I42 All isza ratchet :I 48lhavingndiub I46 carrying a spur pinion 114.5 :(Figures 9 and v1.5? the-.ratchet and gear combination being :rotatably mounted -:on the shaft12:9.

, The pinion 1145 whichrin turn meshes with .azgear :141 secured to thedrive shaft 19, tthe'rdriveratio :in theipresent embodiment being one to:two, i. e., one revolution -of the ,drive shaft -19d-rives the ratchetM3 through two revolutions. on its rear side lithe-cam 42.8 as :shown indetail shortly :be explained.

The clutch plate I42 has in its periphery two oppositely spaced notchesF149 and I50, (Figures 14, 15, 16 and .12), adapted toreceive a detent.I5I on theend of a lever H52 pivoted on the pin m, (Figure 12)..

A horizontal arm I 53 of the the second cam I48. A on spring (I54 urgesthe :arm I53 upward to hold the detent :I5I in engagement with the plateI42 except when the hereinafter set forth.

A pawl I55 is pivotedat [561:0 the ceariace'nf the plate 142 and isadapted to be roqked into engagement with the :ratchet 443 by ra spring15?! (Figures 14 :and 16). Therein-lend I58 lof thepawl I55 is disposedalongside the notch H49, so that when the detent I51 qoccunies he notchI 49 as shown inFigure 16,dt:holds thezpawl Hi5 out of engagement withthe ratchet (I43.

An .arcuate link 4549 is articulated at 1:60 to the pawl I55, and at 46out of engagement it will be seen that engagement of the 'detent I5 Iwith either notch releases .the pawl I55 from the ratchet, while thedetent, urged is normally connected to the sprocket I30 via the shaftI29 and driving.memher I35, as previously described, the sprocket I30and film ID! are thereby held accurately in index position as long asthe detent I5 I remains in one of thenotches I49 and I50.

Once during each rotation of the drive shaft 79, (Figure 12), the camI48 depresses the lever the comparatively narrow lob 1 1.2! of the camI48 releases the lever aim I53, the fie. tent l5! rides on the peripheryof the plate I42 until the succeedingnotch I19 or I moves into registrywith the detent, when the latter again From the forego g, ing eachrevolution halt revolution, and the 111m I0! is consequently moved anindex distance corresponding to onemeshes with an idler .gear 4-4.6

The gear 44.! carries lever I52 engages half the pitch circumference ofthe sprocket I30, this distance equalling one frame spacing of the film.Since the ratchet I43 is driven at double the rotative speed of thedrive shaft 19, as previously set forth, it is also evident that themovement of the film takes place during one-quarter revolution of thedrive shaft 19.

The cam I28 (Figure 11) has a. comparatively wide lobe I28 which forcesthe lever I26 down ward just prior to release of the detent I5I fromits'engaged notch and holds the lever I26 depressed during the describedhalf-revolution of the sprocket I30.

By this means the pressure plate H3 (Figures 9 and 10) is raisedand heldclear of the film I61 while the latter is moved. In Figure 10, it willbe observed that while released by the pressure plate II3, the film I01is guided by the shoe I33 and a roller I64, the latter being disposed inthe lefthand magazine'IOI near the reel I05 as shown diagrammatically inFigure 17. The heights of the shoe I33 and roller I64 are such that whenreleased as noted, the film I01 clears the gate I I By his means thefilm is kept out of sliding contact with the gate during its movement,thus avoiding any possible abrasion.

A pulley I65 on the end of the sprocket shaft I29 (Figure 9) drives aspring friction belt I66 which in turn engages a second pulley I61connected to the film reel I06 as shown diagrammatically in Figure 1'1,thus providing a yieldin'g or slip take-up drive for the reel I06.

A disk shutter I68 (Figures 10, 18 and 19) is rotatably mounted on thebottom plate I69 of the sub-assembly casing 68, and is adapted to bedriven at one-to-one ratio from thedrive shaft 19 via'mitre gears I10and HI. The shutter I68 normally overlies and closes off a light openingI12 in the bottom plate I69 above the lens 52 and in ,optical alignmentwith the film gate I I I.

By this means the shutter normally prevents passage of light between thelens and film. The shutter I68 has a cut-out portion or notch I13extending throughout 90 degrees of arc in the embodiment illustrated.

During rotation of the shutter at constant speed, the passage of thenotch I13 over the opening permits the passage of light from the lens tothe film for a pre-determined exposure time, as hereinafter set forth.The gearing of the shutter to the shaft 19, of course is so arrangedthat the exposure takes place while the film I01 is stationary and heldfiat by the pressure plate -I I3.

Referring to Figure 1, the table skirt I14 carries on its front faceleft-hand and right-hand control panels I15 nd I16 respectively, thesepanels being shown in enlarged detail in Figures and 21.

The panel I15 has mounted therein two singlepole single-throw toggleswitches I 11 and I18, two reversing switches I19 and I80, two momentarycontact push-button switches I8I and I82, and a time-switch I83 of anysuitable type provided witha trip or release button I84.

The panel I16 has mounted thereon two toggle switches I85 and I86.Mounted on the post or'standard 36 behind the panel I16 is a variablevoltage transformer I81 having a rotary control shaft I88. The shaft I88extends outward through an enlarged hole I89 in the panel I 16 so as notto touch the latter, and is provided with an operating handle I90 infront of the panel.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 'and 3, a pair of brackets I9I and I92,secured to the rear portion of the frame 30 and extending angularlyoutward and upward therefrom, have forwardlyextending horizontalportions I93, each carrying a plurality of incandescent lights I94. Thlights I94 are directed downwardly and inwardly so as to provide evenillumination throughout the entire upper area of the table 34, while atthe same time the angles of illumination are such that no directreflection of light can enter the lens of the camera 42.

A pair of normally closed limit switches I95 .and I96 (Figure 5) aremounted in th rear portion of the carriage 4I. These switches, which arepreferably of the type known as microswitches, are provided withoperating lever rollers. I91 and I98 adapted to engage and be actuatedby abutments I99 and 200 respectively secured to the upper and lowerrear extremities of the column key 86.

A momentary contact foot switch 20I (Figures l, 2, 3, and 23) is movablydisposed under the table 34 and is provided with a flexible'cable 202connecting it to the main apparatus in the electrical manner hereinafterexplained in connection with the wiring diagram (Figure 24). A smallsignal light 203, preferably equipped with a red bulb, is mounted at therear of the table 34.

Referring to the typical wiring diagram (Figure 24), the numerals 204and 205 designate the conductors of a suitable source of A. C. currentsupply, leading into the main or line switch I86, thence to distributingconductors 206 and 201.

Branches 208 and 209 lead to manual switch I85, hereinafter termed thelight switch. From the output poles of the switch I wires 2I0 and 2I Iare connected to the variable transformer I81. The lamps I94 (Figures 1,2 and 3) are-connected in parallel between conductors 2 I2 and 2 I2**from the output terminals ofth transformer I81.

It will be seen from the above description that when the switches I86and I81 are closed, the lamps I94 draw current and are illuminated, thevoltage and consequently the intensity of the illumination beingadjustable by means of the variable transformer I81.

The reversing switch I 19 is of the three-pole double throw constructionwith a central oil position. The switch has upper and lower contactpoints 2I3, 2I4, 2I5 and 2I6, 2I1, 2I8, respectively adapted to bealternately engaged by poles 2I9, 220 and 22I, poles 2I9 and 220 beingelectrically joined together. Contacts 2I4 and 2I5 are respectivelycross connected in the usual manner with contacts 2I1 and 2I8 forreversing the current direction through field connectors 222 and 223leading to the elevating motor 81. Poles 220 and 22I have leads 224 and225 comprising armature connections to the motor 81. Pole 22I is alsoconnected via the normally open pushbutton switch I8I with thedistributing conductor 206. Poles 2I3 and-2I6 are connected to thesecond conductor 201 respectively via the normally closed limit switchesI and I96.

When the switch I19 is thrown to upper position and the push-buttonswitch I8I is closed, theeonnection from conductor 206 is completed viaswitch I8I, pole 22I, to the motor armature lead 225, also via pole 22Iand contact 2I5 to the field lead 223. At the same time current flowsfrom the conductor 201 via limit switch I 95, contact 2I3 and pole 2| 9to the pole 220, thence to the second armature lead 224, and via contact214 to the second field lead 222. By this means the ages ae iv cept thatthe pole 2I9' receives current from con I ductor 201 via limit switchI98 and lower contact 2I6 without any change in polarity. However, thefield leads 222 and 223 now receive their current from poles 22I and 220respectively through the cross connected contacts 218- and 2'I 1'respectively. The motor field is thereby'reversed, causing the motor 81to revolve inthe reverse direction and lower the carriage 4 I If duringupward driving operation of themo; tor 81 the limit switch I98 isopened, the described supply from conductor 201 is broken, causing themotor 81' to stop. Thereafter, current can be restored only by throwingthe switch downward to complete the connection through the second orlower limit switch I98, whereupon closure of the button switch I8'I'again energizes the motor in the downward driving direction.

Similarly, if the lower limit IQii-switch is opened to stop the motor,the latter can only be energized after throwing the switch "8- to upwarddriving position.

By the above described means, it will be seen that engagement of eitherlimit switch with its operating abutment I99 or 200 stop's theprogressmanual switch I18 (Figure 20) is shunted acrossthe time switchI83 by means of wires 229 and 230. Thus when switch I18 is closed, thelamp. 65 remains energized irrespective of the time switch I 83.

The time switch I83 is preferably of the wellknown electrically actuatedtype, a branch 226 being provided to supply a current connection from206 to the actuating mechanism under control of the button I84. Theshutter motor 11 is connected on one side via a lead 23I to theconductor 206. A wire 234, from the second side of the motor 11, isconnected to the normally open cam switch 84 (Figures 5 and 7) thencevia lead 235, the toggle switch I11 (Figure 20), and'a lead 235 to theconductor 201. Also, from the other or second side of the motor 11, aWire 232 is connected to the normally open foot switch 201, which latteris in turn connected via lead 233 to the lead 235.

From the above connections, it is evident that the motor 11 may beenergized through either one of two parallel circuitclosing means, thatis viathe foot-switch 20I or via the cam switch 84 and lows the switch84 to remain open only in'no'rmal.

or stop position as shown.

When the foot-switch20'l is momentarily closed. to start the motor", theinitial movement of the;

cam 82 also closes the switch 84 andholds itclosed after opening ofthe:foot switch, thus keeping the 80' throughout one completerevolution, where upon the cam 82 again allows the switch 84 to breakthe circuit and stop' the motor 1 1.

If the toggle switch H1 isopened; as in pro jection operationshereinafter described; it is-evi'-- dent that no holding circuit can=beestablished by the cam switch 84 and the motor I-I-remai'nssol ly undercontrol of the switch I TIL The second cam-switch- 85 (Figures 5 and-8") is connected inseries with the signal lamp 203' across theconductors 208 and 201 via wires 231 238 and-238 (Figure 24;); The cam83,- also mount ed on the shaft 80 as previously set tenth, is of suchcontour a'sto close-the switch-8E and thereby cause the signal light203to light up during that portion of the revolution of shaft 80 whenthe previously described shutter I68 is open;

The focusing motor 54 isconnected through the reversing switch. I80 withthe conductors'206 arid 201, the normally open push-button switch I82being interposed in the circuit connection: from conductor. 206. Astheoperation and wiring of. such. reversing. switches are well. known:and have previously been described; in; connection with e1evating motor8], further detailed description thereot is believed: unnecessaryrepetition hereim it islevident that throwing the: switch IBfltoz upperor lower: positiomconditionsthem'otorr circuit;

forv operation of the motor neither-desired.

rection under control oi the push-button switch I82 The operation-is asfollows:

Photography When. it. desired. to=recordi images: at docu-' ments, maps,drawings, or the like, the operator first places a frame-of developed;film: imposition onrthefilm-gate' III under the pressureplate II-3thelhousin'g. 62 having been previously swung; up'-- ward and open'onits pivotszIi'aw-to. allow access to the interior of thesub-assembly:- 64".. While' the:

housingis open,.'thespring-pressed. fulcrum; pin.

84 until the shutter reaches wide-open position;

motor energized: and causing; itto drive the-shaft At-this point themanual-switch H1- is opened to stop the motor. 11,.1eaving theshutter inopen position, the pressure plate.havingmeanwhile been lowered intovengagement with: the film: by the.

spring I2I, Figure 11;

The shutter I68'being open,,1i'ght passes from the lamp I55 to theinclined mirror- 61=', thence downward through the condensing lens.system- 64, the shutter sub-assembl3t 6|; and the: film: therein, andthe lens 52;, an image: oh the. dcveloped film frame being projected onthe:- table 34 or on a sheet of material spread thereon; The

operator then manipulates the elevator switch I19 andspush-button I81tolower or" raise: the carriage and oameravprojector by means ofthemotor 81 until the projected image c'oversthe desired area. The operatorsimilarly] manipuelates the-switches I and. I82, toiadjustithe' lens; 52by means of the focusing motor 54 untilthe image is sharply focused.The. foregoing field' andfocus adjustments may be: madewith the. imageprojecteddirectlyon-the sheet-to be photo-' graphed or on a suitableblank sheet of proper size.

The document, drawing, or the like, having been secured to the table 34by any suitable means such as tacks, tape, or weighted retainers, andthe previously described field and focus adjustments having been made,the lamp 65 is extinguished by opening the switch I18 and the shutterswitch I11 is closed, the latter causing the motor 11 to be energizedthrough the camswitch 84 as previously described. The motor 11 runsuntil the cam 82 opens the switch 84 in normal position as shown inFigure 7, thereby closing the shutter. The operator replaces thedeveloped film with unexposed film, threading the latter from the reelI85, through the control sub-assembly 6|, as shown in Figures 9 and 10,and to the take-up reel I06; the housing 62 is again lowered into closedposition to exclude ht.

It will be understood the above described preparatory field and focussetting need be performed only once, at the beginning of a series ofphotographic recordings of similar size.

To photograph the document spread on the table 34 the lights I94 areturned on by closing the switch I85 and if required the intensity ofillumination is adjusted by means of the variable transformer I81,either to a pre-determined setting of the handle I90 or by use of anysuitable light meter. The operator then momentarily closes thefoot-switch 20I to start the shutter motor 11, the cam-switch 84thereafter causing the motor to drive the shaft 80 until one completerevolution is completed as previously set forth.

During the single revolution noted, the notch or opening I13'of theshutter I68 traversesthe optical path between the lens 52 and the filmI81, allowing the lens to cast an illuminated image of the document onthe film during a predetermined length of time to effect the exposure.During the remainder of the revolution of shaft 80 after closure of theshutter, the cams I28 and I48 respectively raise the pressure plate I I3from the film I01 and disengage the detent I51 from the notch,I49 orISO, thereby causing the sprocket I38 to move the film forward one framein the manner previously explained The single revolution of the shaft88, Figure 5, thus effects the exposure and conditions the apparatus forthe next exposure. The operator removes the first document or othersubject photographed from the table 34, places the second in the sameposition, and again depresses the foot-switch 20I to photograph thesecond subject, and proceeds in the manner described to record thedesired series of subjects on successive frames of the film I01.

As noted previously, an entire series of subjects may be photographedafter a single initial setting of the field and focus. However, once acertain desired field and focus setting have been arrived at for a givensize of subject, no initial projection is necessary thereafter in orderto arrive at this settingfor later recordings, due to the provision ofthe height scale 36, Figures and 6, and the counter or register 58,Figure 4. When the operator has initially arrived at the proper fieldand focal settings as described, he may observe and note down thereadings of the scale 96 and counter 58, the figures of both beingreadily visible from the operating position in front of the table.Thereafter, when it is desired to photograph further subjects of thesize or series noted, or to reproduce the subjects by projection ashereinafter described, it is only necessary to operate the elevating andfocusing switching means until the previously noted height and focalreadings appear on the scale 95 and counter 59. Similarly, subjects ofdifferent areas may be photographed in series without intermediate testsetting or focusing, simply by manipulating the elevating and focusingcontrols to bring the scale and counter readings to previouslydetermined proper figures for the various sized subjects. In case ofseries photographing of widely differing fields or areas, and consequent lens distance, it may also be desirable to vary the intensity ofthe illumination by manipulation of the transformer control handle I90as previously described.

It will be noted that all the foregoing operations may be effected bythe user from a single position in front of the table 34, the normalfunctions of setting camera height, setting the focus,

' setting the illumination, making the exposure,

and resetting the film being carried out by re mote control from thepanels I15 and I16. Even the manual operation of changing or adjustingthe film I01 in the camera may be carried out from the same position.since the camera may be lowered to extreme bottom position directly infront of the operator, the proper original height being afterwardrestored, as previously noted, from the scale 96. It is obvious thatprovision of thedescribed complete remote control from a single positionadapts the device to rapid and easy operation with a minimum of fatiguefor the user.

Reproduction When it is desired to reproduce previously photographedsubjects, the developed film carrying the images is threaded into thecamera-projector 42 in the manner previously described for insertion ofraw film. The projection lamp 65 is turned on, the shutter IE8 is againopened by manipulation of switches I11 and 2M, and the proper cameraheight and focus are arrived at either by direct test projection on ablank sheet on the table 34 or by setting to height and focal indicatingfigures previously noted at the time of photographing the particularsubject to be reproduced. The time switch, I83, having been set for thedesired period of exposure, the switch I18 is opened to extinguish thelamp 65 and a suitable sheet of sensitized paper or the like is securedin proper position on the table 34.

The time switch I 83 is tripped by means of its button I84, the switchclosing and remaining closed for the predetermined time in the usualmanner of such switches. The lamp 835 is thereby illuminated during thepro-determined period,

during which period the enlarged image from the film I81 is projected onthe sensitized sheet. When the time-switch I83 has again extinguishedthe lamp 65 the sensitized sheet is removed for development and/orfixing in the usual manner. In case a succeeding image on the film stripis to be reproduced, switches I11 and 2M are 0perated until the shuttermotor 11 has closed and again"re'-'opened the .shutter I68, during whichoperation the film has been advanced one frame in the manner previouslydescribed, after which a second sensititzed sheet is placed in positionand the second projection exposure made as set forth.

-In case it is desired to make more than one print from the same filmframe, the operator the exposures by repeated trippings of the timeswitch I83 without intermediate closings of the shutter 168.

All the described reproducing operations are carried out from the singleoperating position, and except of course for changing the sensitizedpaper, all are done by remote control, with the same advantages ofspeed, ease' and precision noted with respectto recording. v

While the apparatus is adapted to reproduction in the preciseoriginalsize, it is obvious that enlargement or reduction in the reproductionmay readily be. made by proper setting of camera-projector height andfocus.

From the foregoing description it will be's'een that the invention makespossible the photographic recording and reproduction withmaximumrapidity, precision and accuracy, uesswork being eliminated. Theaccuracy is augmented by the fact that reproduction takes place byprojection through the same lens and, if desired, with the identicalsetting used in the-original photographic-recording, Thus any defects,such as optical aberration or blurs impressed on the film for anyreason, even such as slight op tical defects in the lens. areautomatically cancelled out and corrected by reversal in the projectionthrough the same lens; the results are thus uniformly sharpreproductions of the originals.

The rigid-attachment of the column 40 and the table 34 to the heavytriangular frame 30, supported on the three legs 3|, 32 and 33, promotesaccuracy by preventing vibratory variation between the camera-projectorand table; even in thepresence of considerable exterior vibration, theentire assembly tends to vibrate together without loss of alignment. Thestandards or posts 35 and 3B normally do not engage the table 34 aspreviously noted, but they are adapted to engage and support it in caseof heavy downward pressure tending to tip or bend the table. As thetransformer (81 is mounted on the standard 36 and neither the shaft I88nor handle I90 touches the panel [16, the handle I90 may be manipulatedto vary the illumination from the lamps I94 even during exposure withoutany chance of transmitting vibration to the table 34 or relatedapparatus.

The shelf or bed-plate 43 is constructed with a minimum proportion ofits weight near the column 4D and a maximum amount of weight at itsfront end, in addition to the weight of the camera parts themselves.Similarly, the camera parts are constructed with comparatively heavydesign and of heavy materials such as bronze. T e Purpose and result ofthe described proportioning and large concentration of weight at theouter end of the camera supportis to produce a downward cantilevereffect which causes a heavy clamping action of the carriage 4| on thecolumn Ml even though the ca riage is not fastened to the column; thisclamping action further promotes the rigid transmission of vibrationsfrom the camera through the column 40 to the table 34 or vice versa, sothat these elements vibrate in unison without misalignment, as notedabove.

A convenience outlet 240, connected to the conductors 208 and 201,Figure 24, may be provided at any suitable location on the device, forsupplying 'current to any auxiliary electrical apparatus, such asextension lights or the like, which it may be desired to. use inconnection with the apparatus.

While the invention has been described in preferred form it is notlimited to the precise structures illustrated, as various modificationsand changes may be made without departing from the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device for photographically reproducing subjects, such asdrawings and the like, in combination, a horizontal table adapted tohold a subject, a vertical tubular column rigidly secured to said table,a camera support slidablycarried on said column, a camera mounted onsaid support, a chain havingone end secured to the upper portion of saidsupport and having the other end secured to the lower portion of saidsupport, said chain extending upwardly to the top of said column andextending downwardly inside said column to a point below said table,means for keeping said chain taut, said means includinga sprocket, areversible electric motor operatively connected to said sprocket formoving said support along said column in-either direction, a scalehaving its upper end associated with said last mentioned end of saidchain and having itsother-endbelow the surface of said table, said scalebeing-so arranged that the portion thereof projecting above said tableindicates the distance between the surface of the table and said camera.

2. The combination claimed in claim 1 in which anti-friction rollers arecarried in the upper and lower portions of said support in contact withsaid column on the side thereof opposite said camera.

3. The combination as set forth in claim 1 in which the reverisiblemotor for moving said chain in either direction has its controlspositioned at an operator's station at the front of said table, and inwhich said scale is visible to an operator for guiding him in themovement of the support with respect to the surface of said table.

4. In a device for photographically reproducing subjects, such asdrawings and the like, in combination, a horizontal table adapted tohold a subject, a'vertical tubular column rigidly secured to said table,a camera support slidably carried on said column, a camera mounted onsaid support, a chain having one end secured to the upper portion ofsaid support and having the other end secured to the lower portion ofsaid support, said chain extending upwardly to the top of said columnand extending downwardly inside said column to a point below said table,means for keeping said chain taut, said means including a sprocket, areversible electric motor operatively connected to said sprocket formoving said support along said column in either direction, a scalehaving its upper end associated with said lastmentioned end of saidchain and having its other end below the surface of said table, saidscale being so arranged that the portion thereof projecting above saidtable indicates the distance between the surface of the table and saidcamera, a lens movably positioned in said camera, a second reversibleelectric motor operatively connected to said lens, said first motorbeing adapted to move the camera with respect to the table on a verticalaids, and said second electric motor being adapted t rnove said lenswith respect to said table and the'iield in said camera along a secondvertical axis, the controls for both said motors being positioned withineasy reach of an operator working at said table.

, 5. In a device of the character described, in combination, a rigidsuppor a table on said support, a rigid tubular vertical column securedto the rear portion of said support, a carriage vertically slidable onsaid column, a camera-projector mounted on said carriage above saidtable, a chain extending through said column and having one end thereofsecured to the upper portion of said carriage and having its other endsecured to the lower portion of said carriage, means below the surfaceof said table for keeping said chain taut, said means including asprocket operatively connected to a reduction gear and a reversibleelectric motor connected to said reduction gear to elevate and lowersaid carriage and camera-projector, a lens in said camera-projector,means including a reversible electric motor to adjust the focal positionof said lens, a panel on the front of said table, and manually operableswitching means on said panel to selectively control said motors, saidpanel and switching means comprising a control station remote from saidcamera-projector.

6. In a device for photographically reproducing subjects such asdrawings and the like, in combination, a table adapted to hold asubject, a support rigidly secured to said table, a casing on saidsupport and electrical means driving a chain connected to and adapted tomove said casing relative to said table, a visual indicator having oneend connected to said casing and having its other end always extendingbelow said table for gauging said movement whereby'the movement may beread on said scale at the surface of said table, a lens in said casingand electrical means for focusing the same, said focusing means having asecond visual indicator associated therewith and spaced apart therefromwith a. flexible shaft therebetween, a film gate in axial alignment withsaid lens for positioning a photographic film, manual controls for bothsaid electrical means grouped at an operators station from which saidindicators are clearly visible to said operator, means to effectphotographic exposures of subjects to said lens on said film at variousdistance settings of said camera projector from said subjects and atvarious focal distance settings of said lens from said film, and meansin said casing to illuminate any of said films after development thereofand to project images thereof from said film through said lens tosensitized sheets on said table at distance settings in accordancewiththe distance settings employed when said films were originally exposed,said indicators being adapted to enable said operator to rapidly efiectsuch settings and thereby reproduce enlargements of the reproducedsubjects on said developed film.

VERNEUR E. PRATT.

